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Freelance Architectural Designer / AutoCAD Drafter (Residential & Commercial Permit Drawings)

Job Type: Freelance / Independent Contractor (1099)
Work Location: Remote (Preference given to candidates located in the New York Tri-State Area)
Hours: Flexible, Project-Based

About the Position

We are a growing architectural design and consulting firm seeking an experienced Freelance Architectural Designer/AutoCAD Drafter to assist with residential and light commercial projects on an as-needed basis. This is an excellent opportunity for a self-motivated professional looking for flexible, project-based work with the potential for an ongoing working relationship.

The ideal candidate has 5–7 years of experience producing permit-ready construction documents, possesses strong technical drafting skills, and can work independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Prepare complete architectural construction document sets for residential and light commercial projects.
• Produce permit, bidding, and construction drawings using AutoCAD.
• Develop floor plans, elevations, building sections, wall sections, construction details, schedules, and code-related notes.
• Revise drawings based on redlines, consultant comments, and client revisions.
• Coordinate architectural drawings with structural, civil, MEP, and survey information.
• Review drawings for accuracy, constructability, and code compliance.
• Meet project deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality and attention to detail.

Required Qualifications

• 5–7 years of professional architectural drafting/design experience.
• Strong experience with residential renovations, additions, custom homes, and/or commercial tenant fit-outs.
• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD.
• Experience preparing permit-ready construction document sets.
• Thorough understanding of wood-frame construction methods, architectural detailing, and standard construction practices.
• Working knowledge of the International Residential Code (IRC), International Building Code (IBC), and New York State Building Codes.
• Ability to work independently from sketches, markups, PDF redlines, and verbal direction.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve drafting conflicts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience coordinating with structural engineers and other design consultants.
• Familiarity with zoning reviews, municipal permitting, and responding to building department comments.
• Experience performing field measurements and preparing as-built drawings.
• Knowledge of ADA accessibility requirements for commercial projects.
• Experience using Bluebeam, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office, and cloud-based file-sharing platforms.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• Produces clean, accurate, and well-organized construction drawings.
• Requires minimal supervision and takes ownership of assigned projects.
• Communicates proactively and responds promptly.
• Is dependable, detail-oriented, and committed to meeting deadlines.
• Takes pride in producing high-quality, permit-ready drawing sets.
• Is interested in developing a long-term working relationship with a growing architectural firm.

Compensation

Compensation is competitive and based on experience, qualifications, and project complexity. Both hourly and project-based compensation arrangements will be considered.

To Apply

Please submit the following:

• Resume
• Portfolio (PDF or online link)
• Two to three sample permit or construction drawing sets that you personally prepared (preferred)
• Brief description of your residential and/or commercial project experience
• Your hourly rate or typical project pricing
• Weekly availability
• Professional references (preferred)

Please include a brief description of your role in preparing the submitted drawing sets (i.e., whether you created the drawings from scratch, worked from markups, or revised an existing set).

We are seeking a dependable freelance professional who can become a long-term extension of our team and consistently produce high-quality, permit-ready construction documents.